Factors Affect Response Rates of Web Survey and Strategies

With the continuous development of network technology, the Internet has gradually promoted the development of web surveys. Compared with other survey models, the web survey has unique advantages, which makes researchers prefer conducting web surveys. However, web surveys also have drawbacks that cannot be ignored, most notably the low response rates. Therefore, it is necessary to study what factors will affect the response rate of online surveys and put forward practical strategies to improve the response rate of web surveys. In our paper, the process of web surveys used in the four-stage operation and corresponding factors will be first discussed. Then, five major factors will be indicated, including sampling methods, contact modes, invitation design, pre-notification and reminders, and incentives in the survey delivery process. Next, the main five factors impacting the response rate will be analyzed based on data analysis. Finally, five strategies are presented corresponding to those five main factors. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential synergy of combining several of the above five factors and the potential value of five factors in improving response rates.